Paint a Recycling Bin During Art Basel Courtesy of TRASHed Miami

They say one man's trash is another man's treasure, and that colloquialism rings truer for art than any other endeavor. And thanks to non-profit org Global Inheritance, recycling bins have become a part of the local artistic landscape, a la TRASHed Miami.

For the third year in a row, GI and Kidrobot are bringing their paint-a-can campaign to town during Art Basel to raise awareness about waste collection and recycling issues. The best part is, you'll have the chance to paint a refuse bin of your very own.

The group will open a studio right across from Wynwood Walls where artists and average joes will both be able to design their own recycling bins. Refuse masterpieces! Even Hunter S. Thompson is an artist alumni (he shot one with a shotgun).

This week's effort is designed to get Miamians to take ownership of the recycling concept -- something our city desperately needs.

"We're fans of art and enthusiastic about new ways to use art to culturally move us forward and get people thinking about things. Rather than be too heavy handed, the goal is to present recycling in a new way," says Eric Ritz, GI's executive director.

They're also all about getting the next generation on board. One of the aims of the event is to get people excited about their school outreach programs, where they get kiddos invested in recycling through fun, art-focused efforts.

Get 'em while they're young and all. They've hosted similar events and endeavors all over the place, including at Coachella, the Grammys and SXSW.

Courtesy of TRASHed Miami

At this week's event, they'll have redesigned bins on display, cocktails and plenty of info about their Miami recycling initiatives. People will also have a chance to vote on their fave mini-bins, both online and at the live exhibit. Winners will score prizes like festival tickets, skate decks, computer bags, sneakers and one super-awesome-top-secret Grand Prize.

"Our goals are to get people to engage in issues and to do it in a way that's sort of untraditional," Ritz adds. Garbage cans definitely win when it comes to creativity.

The studio will have hours from December 5th through 7th from noon to 8 p.m. at 2509 NW Second Ave, Second floor, and a special exhibit on the 6th from 8 p.m. to midnight. If you're painting a bin, there's a $5 suggested donation to offset the cost of supplies. Mini-bins are made with recycled plastic, btw. They walk the walk.